Colors of Change: Painting Justice, Ending Period Poverty

For many vulnerable girls and women in Uganda, menstruation remains a monthly struggle marked by shame, silence, and lack of access to basic menstrual health products. Thousands of girls miss school because they cannot afford sanitary pads, while others resort to unsafe alternatives that put their health and dignity at risk. In underserved communities, menstrual stigma continues to limit confidence, participation, and opportunities for young women and girls.

The painful reality behind the phrase “No Pads, No School” is lived every day by girls whose education is interrupted simply because of their periods. Menstrual poverty is not only a health challenge — it is also a barrier to education, gender equality, and social inclusion.

It is from this urgent reality that Colors of Change was born.

Taking place on 30th May 2026 in Kawempe Division, Uganda, Colors of Change is a vibrant advocacy and community engagement event using creativity, storytelling, and artivism to confront period poverty and menstrual stigma. Organized through the collective efforts of SYRADO (Slum Youth Rehabilitation and Development Organization), Rozy Reusable Sanitary Pads, CERESAV, Warm Hearts, and Women’s Love Initiative, the event brings together young people, teachers, artists, advocates, and community members to champion menstrual dignity and equal opportunities for girls.

The event artwork powerfully captures these realities. Two young girls stand before canvases boldly displaying messages such as “Period Poverty” and “No Pads, No School.” These paintings symbolize the voices of countless girls who continue to face barriers caused by lack of menstrual health support.

At the heart of the event is artivism — the use of art as a tool for activism and social change. Through live painting sessions, storytelling, exhibitions, and community dialogues, participants will help build evidence around the lived experiences of girls affected by period poverty. The stories, artwork, and reflections gathered during the event will contribute to broader advocacy efforts aimed at influencing communities, stakeholders, and policymakers toward sustainable menstrual health solutions.

Colors of Change seeks to create safe spaces where conversations about menstruation can happen openly and without shame. By combining advocacy with creativity, the event aims to break stigma, promote menstrual health education, and encourage collective action toward a more inclusive and supportive society.

The colorful campaign reflects hope, resilience, and transformation. Every brushstroke becomes a statement for dignity, equality, and justice. Every voice raised becomes part of a growing movement demanding change.

Participation is open by registration, and individuals passionate about advocacy, art, youth empowerment, and menstrual justice are encouraged to join. Whether you are an artist, student, activist, organization, or community member, your presence matters.

Together, we can paint a future where no girl misses’ school, loses confidence, or feels ashamed because of her period.

Join the movement toward and follow the conversation on social media to have your say #APeriodFriendlyWorld. #ColoursOfChange